THE successor to the Volkswagen ID.3 is marking its world premiere with a new name and has been extensively enhanced and upgraded.

The exterior features of the ID.3 Neo include a new vehicle front design based on Volkswagen's ‘Pure Positive' design language and a new light design.

The interior impresses with a redesigned cockpit landscape with intuitive controls, embedded in interior materials at the level of the next-higher class.

The new efficient drive system of the ID.3 Neo - combined with the largest of the three available batteries - additionally enables ranges of nearly 400 miles.

Martin Sander, Member of VW's board of management responsible for sales, marketing and aftersales, said: "We have developed the new vehicle generation based on the motto ‘True Volkswagen' and have consistently placed the benefits for our customers at the centre of our actions. In addition to the long range, models such as the ID.3 Neo impress with a superior, timeless design that provides long-lasting pleasure, high quality for a noticeably first-class driving experience and technical perfection that can always be relied on. This is complemented by particularly intuitive operation, which makes everyday driving easier and more convenient."

In addition to many standard assist systems such as Lane Assist, Front Assist and the turning brake function, the electric compact model has been given several new functions thanks to the latest software generation.

These include the enhanced Connected Travel Assist with optional traffic light recognition as well as one-pedal driving, where the vehicle recuperates until it comes to a standstill.

In addition, as with all new ID. models, it is now possible to supply power to external devices - from electric barbeques to e-bikes - with an output of up to 3.6 kW directly from the high-voltage battery using the vehicle-to-load function.

The drive system of the ID.3 Neo is a new development. It offers higher torque and lower consumption than the previous motors.

At launch, the new model will be available in three equipment lines (Trend, Life and Style) and with three power outputs, as well as three different battery sizes.

The three electric drive motors develop an output of 170, 190 and 231ps.

The new ID. models have the new Innovision infotainment system while optional equipment includes an augmented-reality head-up display, a large panoramic sunroof, 360-degree Area View, a massage and memory function for the front seats, a premium sound system from Harman Kardon, the memory function for Park Assist Pro and a removable bracket for mounting a bicycle carrier for tow bars (up to 75 kg tow bar load).

UK specification and prices for the ID.3 Neo will be confirmed soon.